How tethered systems enable live underwater viewing
Anyone who has tried to connect a GoPro or DJI action camera to the Quik or Mimo app underwater knows the frustration. Wi-Fi does not travel through water, so the connection drops as soon as the camera goes below the surface.
Water absorbs high-frequency wireless signals, including the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. As a result, live preview and camera control are lost almost immediately. This limitation is explained in more detail in our guide on why Wi-Fi and Bluetooth donโt work underwater.
The term โunderwater Wi-Fi extension cableโ is commonly used to describe systems that allow live underwater viewing. In practice, these systems do not extend Wi-Fi through water. Instead, they use a physical tether to carry the cameraโs signal to the surface.
For a broader explanation of how live underwater video systems work, see our main guide on live underwater video feeds.
The Seavu Seeker Marine Kit: a tethered live-view system
The Seavu Seeker Marine Kit is designed to enable live underwater viewing by carrying the cameraโs wireless signal to the surface. Rather than attempting to transmit Wi-Fi through water, the system maintains the connection above water where wireless communication works reliably.
How it works
- The GoPro or DJI action camera is placed inside a sealed underwater housing.
- A receiver at the camera end captures the cameraโs Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals.
- A custom low-loss marine-grade tether carries the signal to the surface.
- A surface receiver and transmitter rebroadcast the signal wirelessly.
- The live feed is viewed and controlled using the standard GoPro Quik or DJI Mimo app.
This approach provides real-time live view, camera control, and recording, even when the camera is many metres underwater.
Why a tethered system works underwater
Wireless signals cannot travel through water, but electrical and optical signals can be carried through physical cables. The Seeker system uses a tether to transport the cameraโs signal to the surface, where normal wireless communication resumes.
This makes tethered live-view systems suitable for fishing, exploration, training, and research applications where real-time feedback is important.
Advantages over so-called underwater Wi-Fi cables
- Purpose-built marine tether designed for long-distance signal integrity
- Flexible, corrosion-resistant construction for saltwater use
- No direct wired connection to the camera or phone, reducing corrosion risk
- Compatible with current action cameras such as GoPro HERO13 and DJI Action 5 Pro
- Designed with a clear upgrade path for future camera models
Live underwater viewing with GoPro Quik or DJI Mimo
Using the Seeker Marine Kit, users can:
- View live underwater footage in real time
- Adjust camera settings and switch modes
- Start and stop recording remotely
- Monitor footage on a phone or tablet using the native camera app
If you are looking for step-by-step setup guidance, see our guide on how to stream live underwater footage.
Trusted for real-world underwater use
The Seeker Marine Kit is used by researchers, filmmakers, educators, and recreational users worldwide. It is designed and tested in Australia and proven in saltwater environments.
Many marine research organisations use similar tethered underwater monitoring approaches to observe and document underwater environments in real time.
Getting started with the Seeker Marine Kit
If you are searching for a reliable way to maintain a live connection between your underwater camera and mobile device, a tethered live-view system is the practical solution.
Learn more about the Seavu Seeker Marine Kit or explore other underwater camera systems designed for live viewing.

